FDIC 2017...Fire Food and Fitness Pt. 1 | TheBattalion.tv Firefighter Series - Fire, EMS, Rescue, Training

FDIC 2017 was a record breaking year for the biggest event of it's kind.  But while attendees were busy walking around the exhibits and talking with vendors, myself along with Pip from 555 Fitness and Chief Miller were busy feeding and training the firefighters of Decatur Twp. FD with The Battalion TV!

The mission of the day was simple...treat the brothers and sisters at Decatur Twp. FD with a day of functional fitness, healthy cooking and social media expertise.  The unique dynamic we (Pip, Chief Miller and myself) have is that we are all involved in "fields" that are currently seeing a surge in popularity amongst the fire service.  Today more than ever, firefighters are aware of the benefits that healthy eating and fitness can have on themselves, their crews AND their families.  Just based off the growth I have seen in Fork and Hose Co. and 555 Fitness is proof of this.  And with social media pages like Chief Miller being as important as they are, it is much easier to get the word out about the change we are trying to pursue.  

 

The day started off like any normal day shopping for firehouse meals, only this time I was in a different state, at a different supermarket, surrounded by brothers I don't "work with"....ok so maybe it wasn't that normal.  But you know what, it felt like any other day because of the "brotherhood" I have with these guys.  When I was planning the menu out for the day, I knew it had to be healthy yet approachable.  And I think this conecpt is VITAL to anyone trying to change the way we eat in the fire service.  All too often, there is someone who comes along in a firehouse thinking the whole crew will be on board with their "Salads for a Month" or  "No Carbs for a Year" diet plans, but I have news for you....it won't work!  This tactic will do nothing but turn off the brothers and sisters and they will ultimately go back to their old eating habits.  This is a topic I will discuss in the next Blog so stay tuned... now back to the menu.

 

Tacos are always a hit at the firehouse because they are relatively cheap, filling, easy to make and versatile.  Think about it, you can basically put anything in a tortilla and call it a taco.  I would also say that tacos are probably in the top 3 as far as popular meals that get "submitted" in to Fork and Hose Co. So I decided to make 2 types of tacos, both with mostly healthy ingredients but tons of flavor that the crew might not be used to.  Anyone can go down to Taco Bell and get that crap.  I wanted to make something interesting so I incorporated ingredients not often seen on firehouse "menus", but I was worried that they might not have them at the store.  But I'll be damned they did!  Even the radish, kale and Mexican cheese!  Pip and Chief Miller did a great job helping me shop.  Although Chief definitely didn't play Quarterback as evident by his attempt to throw the pineapple into my cart.  So after we had finally gathered all our ingredients it was time to head to the firehouse and surprise the crew with a healthy meal and great workout.  

 

Stay tuned....

 

 

 

 

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